Intraoral device for treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and tmd

Abstract

The invention is a device for removable placement in the mouth, which advances the lower jaw and draws the tongue forward and upward, thereby providing relief for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an upper portion, the upper surface of which is adapted for engagement with the user's upper dentition. A downward extension, suspended from the anterior part of the upper portion, features an anterior surface that engages the back of the lower front teeth, so as to advance the lower jaw forward with respect to the upper jaw. The posterior surface of the downward extension features a rearward extension, which is curved upward at its lateral margins to meet the upper portion, so as to define, with the hard palate of the user, a cavity that is sized and shaped to snugly engage the user's tongue. Within the defined cavity, the device preferably features a soft elastomeric surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to intraoral devices designed to position the tongue and jaw so as to prevent and treat snoring and sleep apnea.St. Matthew's Church Background[0002]Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is intermittent airflow blockage, which occurs when the tongue and other soft tissue move backwards and block the airway during sleep. Numerous such blockages during the night produce intermittent oxygen deprivation, leading to waking and poor quality sleep. An estimated 20 million Americans experience some degree of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is a related and much more common problem, caused by narrowing of the airway to the point that the speed of air across the soft palate causes aeroelastic fluttering, a vibration of the soft tissue that can be loud enough to disturb the sleep of the patient and his or her sleeping partner.[0003]The economic and social costs of OSA and chronic snoring are significant. Potential harmful effects, beyond disrupted sl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that helps control the position of the tongue in the mouth to improve swallowing and prevent pain or speech difficulties associated with tongue movements. It is non-invasive, reversible and easily portable. Unlike other devices, it does not lock the jaws together, reducing the risk of TMJ / TMD. The device uses a vacuum to move the tongue forward and upward, allowing the user to swallow without disengaging the tongue from the appliance. With continued use, the tongue and associated muscles become more desirable and comfortable. The device also helps to open all three sections of the airway, making it easier for the user to breathe through the nose.

Problems solved by technology

Numerous such blockages during the night produce intermittent oxygen deprivation, leading to waking and poor quality sleep.

Snoring is a related and much more common problem, caused by narrowing of the airway to the point that the speed of air across the soft palate causes aeroelastic fluttering, a vibration of the soft tissue that can be loud enough to disturb the sleep of the patient and his or her sleeping partner.

The economic and social costs of OSA and chronic snoring are significant.

Potential harmful effects, beyond disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue, include morning headaches, irritability, brain damage, cognitive dysfunction, impotency, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure.

Indirect effects of chronic fatigue include inefficient or poor work, motor vehicle crashes and workplace accidents, which in turn can cause serious injury and death.

The mask can be uncomfortable, it is difficult to maintain a good seal between the mask and the face, and it limits freedom of movement during sleep.

The positive airway pressure can have a negative effect on spontaneous respiration, dry out nasal passages, and cause congestion, headaches, facial distortion, abdominal bleeding, nosebleeds, and chest discomfort.

The noise of the machine can disturb the patient or others in the same room, and the machine itself is expensive and inconvenient to travel with.

In addition to being highly invasive, irreversible, and costly, surgery has a relatively high failure rate.

There is considerable pain and discomfort for the patient, and a long recuperative period.

Undesirable side effects may include speech impairment and difficulties in swallowing.

External devices intended to position the body and / or jaws, such as chin straps, head straps, neck braces, and various pillows have been designed and marketed, with little success.

Pharmaceutical treatments intended to affect the respiratory system, or the relevant musculature, have likewise met with limited success.

TMJ disorder, TMD), and can be uncomfortable to wear, which limits patient compliance.

However, due to their relatively low cost, ease of use, and ready reversibility, jaw-positioning orthotics remain a popular option, and this particular art has been the subject to a great deal of patent activity.

All of the prior art approaches to treating obstructive sleep apnea are of limited effectiveness and / or have distinct disadvantages; this is reflected by the approximately 1,500 U.S. patents and applications filed for methods and devices directed to the relief of OSA and snoring.

Obstructive sleep apnea remains a widespread condition, with serious health consequences and inadequate treatment options.

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